Well now that I’ve got my feet firmly wedged it’s time to have my say about what’s what and what’s not in the City.

I’m particularly looking forward to this year’s Oscars Dinner at the stunning Palm House, Sefton Park. Online nominations are flying in so don’t miss out on your opportunity to have your say. Also, we have some great sponsorship openings for the year ahead, a great opportunity to raise your profile to those who count. If you want to talk about how you can get involved, drop me an email on roger.jonas@downtownliverpool.com

You may have noticed that 2008 is Liverpool’s year as Capital of Culture which is great for the city but in my mind shouldn’t be associated with every creative or cultural event or initiative that takes place this year, so I will try desperately to avoid mentioning anything to do with Capital of Culture..

La Cubanita: My Restaurant of the Month

With regard the Capital of Culture, I was disappointed at the double pager in the Post (Feb 29th) by Journo, Ben Schofield who does little favour for La Cubanita, an exceptional new restaurant, in Campbell Square.

It is just two months since their doors opened and in my mind the concept is without equal. Sadly Ben’s crit reads somewhat like the kind of assault Fidel had planned for Batista back in 59.

It really hacks me off to read his negative kind of jumped up, brattish reporting about a restaurateur who has invested massively in creating a concept that should be embraced by the local media in our year as Capital of Culture. There is a taste of venom in his journalism that suggests to me that he is either trying to make a name for himself, got out of bed on the wrong side that morning or he has arrived at La Cubanita with an agenda. (A number of Cubanita staff have acknowledged that yes it was cold outside but suggested the frosty atmosphere inside was generated by Schofield’s table)

I have dined twice at La Cubanita and plan to be a regular. I have found nothing in Schofield’s assault on the cuisine that actually stands up. He criticises the food for being lukewarm, well if he talks as verbose as he writes, it might suggest that he allowed his food to cool whilst pontificating with his dinner guests. I have to admit at being guilty of the very same on a number of occasions.

So what Ben, if there were a few things missing from the menu. As someone who apparently has knowledge of the industry and a passion for food, are you not aware and maybe a little forgiving if certain “Fresh” produce are not always available from suppliers.

His write-up in the local paper did have some effect as a small number of pre-bookers were clearly influenced and did cancel their reservations. Fortunately for those with a little more courage, their decision to honour their booking was rewarded by a fantastic dining experience.

Moira (owner) is a classy and delightful lady with a passion for all things Cuban, including her husband Enrique who heads the most dynamic group of top Cuban musicians. What they create, six nights a week, is a musical masterpiece that, combined with the exquisite menu of authentic “Fresh” “Hot” Cuban cuisine, makes you want to eat, dance and drink till you drop.

If you want a quiet sedate evening out, maybe La Cubanita isn’t for you (although there is cosy retreat upstairs). But, if like me you enjoy a fun packed evening with your mates and have the daring to get of your backside and Salsa, I want you to join with me in giving Ben the two fingered salute and head down to Campbell Square one night. I challenge you not to return!

Coffee score: 8/10

Soupernatural (Mon-Fri: 8.15am – 3.30pm)

Now I could never be accused of being a vegetarian, I like my meat far too much. I have however just found the most fantastic little gem right in the heart of Liverpool’s business quarter that you really need to try out.

Soupernatural, Rumford Street L2, can be described as a soup, salad and sandwich bar with not a hint of animal in sight and I have to say, I am hooked.

Mike and Karen took the Soupernatural plunge just 6 months ago and already they have a loyal (and delighted) customers base who regularly frequent a vast and varied menu of inexpensive and flavoursome vegetarian fare.

Entrance to the neatly designed bar is via the link way between Rumford Street and Covent Garden. Mike and Karen who both have a history in television design have given the space much thought in presenting a deli-style, utilitarian and spotless takeaway that frankly equals their nearest counterpart, Philpot’s.

Though there is limited space to eat-in, the majority of lunchtime grazers tend to take-away. I started with a delicious portion of cream of spinach soup and was delighted when it was presented in a recyclable bowl shaped container rather than a polystyrene cup. I was shocked by the volume of taste complimented by a generous wedge of sundried tomato bread.

My plan was to follow up with their famous nut loaf sandwich but sadly because of its popularity I had to make do with the marinated tofu and hoi sin duck wrap. It was sensational and I struggled to believe there was not a sign of duck to be seen.

By now my appetite was well and truly satisfied, but I couldn’t resist a quick foray into the salad bar with accompanying dips (you must try the beetroot, grape and red cabbage with a blob of red pepper dip, almost horny!)

Soupernatural is unpretentious, inexpensive and healthy. You can eat every day for a month and still not get through the menu. If you aren’t already converted to the taste and health benefits of veggie snacking, Soupernatural could be the catalyst. Trust me!

Coffee score: 5/10 (sorry Mike, not the best)

The latest from the Everyman & Playhouse

(and a bit about the Phil)

It would be remiss of not to mention my recent visit to the Philharmonic whilst telling you about the latest programme announcement from the Everyman and Playhouse.

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (titter not) are possibly the finest bunch of musicians I have ever seen and I have been lucky enough to work with some pretty top class performers.

When I first invited my mate along to the Phil he gave me an incredulous look and didn’t seem too impressed at the thought of an evening with eight Ukulele players. The fact is that by the time we left the auditorium our side were aching from laughter and we vowed to travel the universe in pursuit of our new gods (maybe the latter is a little excessive.) Their concert was mind blowing, their musicality was overwhelming and their comedy was slick.

There is a great line up at the Phil this season, so make sure you add it to your social calendar.

Moving on, have you seen the latest playbill from the Everyman and Playhouse? You need to pick up a copy. I was delighted to see that Matthew Kelly is making a much welcome return to the Everyman. Matthew along with the likes of Julie Walters, Bill Nighy, Bernard Hill and a gamut of the UK’s best, played a major roll in the early years of the Everyman back in the 60’s.

Matthew will be joined by his son, also Matthew, in Samuel Beckett’s End Game. (Friday 11th April – Saturday 3rd May.) Young Matthew was lucky enough to be my assistant in the early 80’s during my time at the Gateway Theatre in Chester, so for me it will be great to see him treading the boards here in Liverpool, and a plus to see him with his Dad... I’m not too sure about Beckett, I was never really a fan but I’m sure they will do it justice.

Liverpool’s poet laureate, Roger McGough has risen to the challenge with his adaptation of Tartuffe, (Friday May 9th – Saturday 31st May@ the Playhouse) Moliere’s infamous 17th century romp that was banned by Louis XIV. True to his style and writing so fine, McGough has written this ditty in rhyme. I’m sure he will approach it with skill and true grit, so let’s cross our fingers and hope it’s not a bad adaptation... how can this genius fail?

Leaping forward to September (19th to 11th October) for all you relics of the 80’s, who remembers Eric’s? The Everyman are, in what promises to be a revival of reminiscences for those who were awake long enough to remember the lunacy of a legendary Liverpool venue, in their much awaited production, “Eric’s”, a new musical by Mark Davies Markham.

Booking doesn’t open till 30 June... be warned, this will fly.

Finally, and the one I am eagerly awaiting is definitely Pete Postlethwaite as King Lear.(Thursday 30th October – Saturday 29th November) I saw Sir (nay God) Ian McKellen play the title role at the RSC last year along with William Gaunt (The Champions, remember him?) as Gloucester. Edge of seat stuff!

I can’t wait to see what Postlethwaite does with this, it’s a demanding role for any actor, and maybe that’s why they have engaged one of the best!

That’s it for now. If you have anything you think I should mention next time, drop me a line roger.jonas@downtownliverpool.com